Productivity tools for creative minds

“A creative mind is a disorganised mind,” someone once said. I think. (I can’t remember where I read it, and I’ve lost my notes…)

Add to that the umpteen buzzing distractions which swarm around us today like digital bees and it’s a miracle we actually get anything done at all.

Fortunately, minds more organised than ours have come up with tools and techniques to help. Taking inspiration from things as diverse as videogames and Zen Buddhism, they can help us make order from the chaos of our minds and avoid being distracted by every shiny thing which flies past.

Read the full article on Folio14, the online compendium of digital talent in Scotland

What will your legacy be?

In Memoriam

A recent post on Mashable highlighted the range of services which promise to (on the whole) respectfully deal with your ‘digital legacy’.

Think about it. How much effort, creativity and kilobytes do you think you’ve spent tweeting, updating, blogging and blipfotoing since you got your mitts on the internet?

And, amongst all that digital noise, perhaps there are a few things worth passing on to future generations.

At the very least, knowing that a lucky loved one is able to tell all your friends and followers you’ve gone to iHeaven2.0 is a comforting thought.

It also raises the question of what our descendants may make of us in years to come. When the digital archeologists of the far-flung future eventually manage to decipher the archaic way we store things today (no doubt using some barely flickering iPad as some kind of latter day Rosetta Stone), what will they think?

Will they – like Andrew Marr, dismiss us as “inadequate, pimpled and single”, or will they look upon things like Flickr’s Explore and xkcd as beacons of past artistic merit and inspiration?

However our present is interpreted in the future, it should at least get us thinking about the legacy we’re creating for those who follow.

So, next time you’re ranting or flaming about Justin Bieber or the X-Factor, take a moment to think – is that how you really want to be remembered?

Are you sitting comfortably?

Although it’s now easier than ever to get your message out there, it’s increasingly hard to get it noticed. Whether it’s a blog post, website copy or a presentation – there are millions of other messages out there competing for your audience’s attention. How then to get them to remember what you have to say?

Why not consider telling them a story?

Once upon a time…

Since cavemen first gathered around fires to tell each other the tale of that time a mammoth sat on Ugbog, the story has helped us remember and understand important messages. With the power to entertain, enthrall and captivate, a good story can lodge in people’s heads forever.

And does that sound like effective (and ethical) subliminal advertising to you?

Read the full article on Folio14, the online compendium of digital talent in Scotland

Brand You

Brands are everywhere. You eat them, wear them, drink them and watch them. You wash with them, drive around town in them, use them to clean the house and relax with them at the end of the day (possibly whilst wearing branded pyjamas). But have you ever thought of yourself as a brand?

Being a brand needn’t involve summoning a cabal of pony-tailed marketing consultants for a whiteboard session and a recommendation you turn yourself into an animated meerkat. Nor does it mean you have to register yourself as a trademark; neither does it necessitate comissioning a funky logo and a range of must-have merchandise.

No: it simply involves you being You.

Read the full article on Folio14, the online compendium of digital talent in Scotland

Hey ho, let’s Pomodoro

Or, how a little ticking tomato saved my (working) life

I used to be a terrible procrastinator.

Like some internet-enabled magpie, I flitted around the task in hand, distracted by shiny new emails, sparkly twitter notifications and general online stuff and nonsense.

Great if you want to keep up to date on your social networks and the latest YouTube sensation – not so great if you’re working to a deadline.

My task list management is now in tip-top condition (thanks to David Allen’s Getting Things Done method and Toodledo); my time management skills however were in less rude health.

Send in the ticking tomatoes

A daily serving of Pomodoros

Enter the Pomodoro Technique. Designed for people whose self-discipline needs a helping hand. People who are easily distracted. Using a little ticking tomato.

Perfect.

This post doesn’t aim to describe the technique in detail (you can find all you need to know about it on the Pomodoro Technique website). Suffice to say, it is a method of working in short, focused bursts and keeping on top of the task in hand. Using a little ticking tomato.

It sounded as though it might work. I felt a frisson of fear as I read about the need to ignore internal distractions (e.g. the compulsive need to check Facebook every 5 minutes); but heck, it was worth a go.

So I headed out to a shop I’d never been to in my life before and bought a shiny red kitchen timer. I was more excited about this purchase than I thought possible.

I returned home, picked a few pomodoro length project tasks, wound up the little ticking tomato and gave it a go.

In what felt like a matter of seconds later, the tomato rang. I forced myself to stop, as instructed, and take a five minute break.

Then I sat down again, wound up the timer and continued work. Rather than distracting me, the ticking of the tomato reminded (or perhaps warned) me not to check my mail, reply to a twitter mention or even start daydreaming about my army of robot monkeys (hmmm, robot monkeys…).

Two pomodoros later…

Two 25-minute pomodoros and two 5-minute breaks later, I’d achieved more than I’d thought possible. I’d spent 50 focused minutes on a task and made real progress on it. The kind of progress it would normally have taken me at least double that length of time to make.

I’d even spent a couple of minutes in breaktime checking Facebook (amazingly, nothing of ground-shaking import had happened whilst I’d been working…)

Equally amazingly, during my first break the solution to a problem I’d been wrestling with during the previous pomodoro popped into my head. I’d been following instructions not to think of the task itself during the break, but it still appeared, like a little magical tomato fairy.

You say tomato, I say ‘puts an end to time-management misery’

So, I’m sold. I’ll be chunking up my working time into pomodoros, using my GTD ‘next actions’ list to pick the day’s tasks and prioritise them. I’ll stay focused and productive and be able to look back on the day with a sense of achievement rather than a slight guilty feeling.

All thanks to a little ticking tomato…

Exceeding Client Expectations

When exceeding client expectations is the wrong thing to do

You’re only as good as your last job. So naturally your tendency is to do the best you can.

Sometimes, this can result in you over delivering.

They asked for 20 photos? Give them 30, they’ll love you!

They needed a simple website that seldom needs updating? Why not chuck in content management capabilities, they’ll think you’re really clever.

Yes, sometimes this can be a good tactic – if you exceed a client’s expectations in this way, they’re more likely to return or to refer you to their friends.

But is it always a good idea?

Read the full article on Folio14, the online compendium of digital talent in Scotland

Finding the sweet spot – client website questionnaire

It can be a challenge sifting through all the information, unnecessary details and data to get that ‘sweet spot’ – the information you need from a client to allow you to start work on a site.

Finding the sweet spot

On one hand, you need enough detail to allow you to produce something that will meet their needs and avoid surprises further down the line.

On the other, many clients are understandably put off by technical questions; or by terminology they may not understand.

Although it very much depends on the client, I’ve found this short questionnaire to be invaluable in capturing most of the information required to commence a design & build.

It’s no way intended as a replacement for regular client communication, but it does help clarify thinking and begin to nail down the scope.

What image & tone do you want your site to have? Professional, friendly, formal, informal, etc
This question is designed to assist with the design and content strategy for the site. A site with a professional tone will likely have a very different design and tone of voice than a friendly or informal one.

Describe your site in three words, different from ones used in answer to 1 above – e.g. vibrant, peaceful, simple, white, etc
Similarly, this question helps with producing initial design concepts – some clients will respond with colours and words that convey moods that make the design process a lot easier than starting from a blank page.

What sections would you like your site to have?
Largely self-explanatory here, and the only question which ‘gets technical’. Most clients understand the concept of site ‘sections’, and an answer to this is invaluable in designing the site’s information architecture.

If someone lands on your site’s homepage then leaves, what is the most important thing / message you want them to take away?
This question is designed to find out what the site’s main objectives are. Is it an information / promotional site; or an e-commerce one. A simple answer here can have far-reaching effect when it comes to designing the site, its content strategy and its information architecture.

What words would someone enter into Google to find your site?
Everyone knows Google, so this question helps understand what the client’s SEO needs are; and how best to design the site to reflect them.

How will visitors contact you?
Not only will this help uncover how a client wishes their website to work in terms of generating leads and contacts, it can help inform any accompanying contact strategies, such as their use of social media.

What sections of your site will change frequently?
All sites should have an element of content management – allowing the client to update content themselves. However, it is often unnecessary to make every section of a site updateable in this manner. An answer to this question can determine which parts of the site really need content managed.

If you were explaining how to use your site to someone who hadn’t seen it, what would you say? How would you want them to use it?
Another question designed to gain an insight into what the client’s objectives are. The answer can provide some valuable information on how the site should be presented and structured, as well as what sections require the most focus and user-centred design.

As I’ve said, these questions are no subsititute for regular & clear communication with the client – and I always follow this up with a written response confirming understanding and scope.

I have however found them extremely useful in homing in on what’s really important to the client – and ensuring the site they end up with leaves a sweet aftertaste instead of a bitter one.

iPad – NEED versus WANT

The iPad is now available for pre order in the UK.

That tempting iPad pre order screen

On one hand, like an excitable Spice Girl, I really really WANT an iPad.

On the other wiser and more sensible hand, I know I don’t NEED one.

I am now locked in a constant struggle with an internal angel and demon of the same names, each of whom is trying to convince me one way or the other.

The Angel of Need

WANT: Look at it. It’s lovely. It’s shiny. It’s sexy. And – most of all – it’s new. Go on, hit that pre order button.

NEED: Yes, it’s an attractive device, that’s not in question. However, we’ve heard on good authority that it’s a little on the heavy side.

WANT: Look at the videos of it on the Apple site again. Go on. The software UI is fantastic, isn’t it. You’re a UI designer. It’s research!

NEED: Actually, much of the UIs are still in their infancy. A recently-published study has questioned the overall usability of the device. Perhaps it would be better to wait until a commonly-accepted UI paradigm has been established.

WANT: Think of the games on it. You like games. Imagine Scrabble, Chess, Flight Control and Plants vs Zombies on that big beautiful screen.

The Demon of Want

NEED: You’re already time-starved as it is, remember. Do you really want yet another gaming device on which to lose valuable minutes and hours? I doubt your clients would be impressed.

WANT: Your clients will think you’re really cool if you pitch up and show them stuff on the iPad. You want to be cool, don’t you? DON’T YOU?

NEED: Your clients are already perfectly happy with you sending concepts, prototypes and early builds to them via the web. That’s more efficient than showing them things on a device which they themselves probably won’t be using yet.

WANT: Think of all the other things you could do on it though. Reading eBooks, painting pictures, surfing the web, listening to music, watching movies. It’s the device you’ve dreamed of ever since you were a small child!

NEED: You can already do all that with your iPhone and netbook. Yes, we know reading eBooks on the iPhone isn’t ideal and the netbook’s rubbish and takes half an hour to boot up, but…

WANT: See…??!

ME: Sigh… [hovers over pre order button]

See yourself as others see you – Usability Testing

How usable do you find this?

 
You may not realise it, but you’re already an expert on usability.

Every time you visit a website, operate your mobile phone or interact with virtually any object, your brain is making judgements and decisions based on how hard you have to think about the act of using them.

So, when you hear about the ‘black art’ of usability or the rather scary-sounding User Dentred Design philosophy, fear not: it’s actually really straightforward.

This article aims to delve a little deeper into some of the methods used; when to use them; and what they can do for you and your product.

Expert evaluation

This is the simplest and quickest – and therefore cheapest – way of testing your product’s ease-of-use.

Although – as we’ve already said – we’re all usability experts, sometimes a fresh pair of eyes and some real-world experience is invaluable.

Having your product undergo expert evaluation involves handing it over to a recognised or qualified usability professional. They will ask you some key questions (“who’s it for?”, “what’s it trying to achieve?”, “what do you want users to be able to do?” etc), then scrutinise your product with those answers in mind.

Generally, you’ll receive a written report containing their observations and recommendations. Ideally, the recommendations won’t be along the lines of “chuck it in the bin and start again” – rather, they’ll be quick and cheap changes you can make which may well have a significant impact on the usability – and success – of your product.

User testing

User testing is what most people think of when they hear the word ‘usability’.

Based on extensive research and real results from the likes of Jakob Neilsen, user testing involves sitting a small number of real people in front of your product. Like that conundrum where you only need around 57 people in a room before you find two people with the same birthday, experience has shown that you only need around 5 or 6 people to uncover the majority of usability problems your product might have.

4-6 people will find 99% of usability issues

First, a list of tasks based on your product’s key objectives is created (e.g. “log in to the website and find out how to buy orange widgets”, “find out how much striped widgets cost”).

Next, each user will be placed in front of your product and asked to complete the tasks. A usability expert will sit with them, observing their actions, behaviour and listening to what they have to say (users are encouraged to talk out loud as they complete the tasks).

Ideally, the usability expert does not help or assist the user in any way. Even if the user can’t complete the task given to them, the expert will record that fact and move on to the next task.

By the end of a user test, you’ll get a report and recommendation, similar to an expert evaluation. However, this one will be based on real-life evidence of how actual users were able to use your product.

Due to the time and logistics involved, user testing can be costly. That said, it can be done a number of ways, ranging from expensive video-recorded sessions conducted via a two-way mirror; to more affordable options such as roping in friends and colleagues to help.

As usual, you get what you pay for, but user testing with real users is always invaluable, especially if done early enough in the product life-cycle to catch and correct any usability issues that come up.

Hi-tec usability

As technology evolves, so do the methods used for usability testing. While simple paper or web-based surveys are still valid, other more high-tech options exist.

Eye-tracking

This is a fascinating method of usability testing. It involves setting up equipment which – via the use of small cameras – records a user’s eye movements as they view a product.

Best-used for testing visual designs and layouts (it is effective for web designs, advertising and magazines), the results can – literally – be eye-opening.

A heat map generated after an eye tracking session

After an eye-tracking session, you’ll receive a heat map, showing where users focused their gaze, and for how long. This can help you see the effectiveness of use of images, colours and where your calls to action are situated – all of which can make a real difference to how people interact with your product.

Due to the specialised nature of the equipment and software used, eye-tracking tends to be expensive. If however you have a high-profile visual campaign or major design launch, it can prove extremely useful in highlighting how effective that is.

Remote testing

Advances in connection speeds mean you no longer need users to be in the same place as the product you want to test.

Remote testing takes the same approach as usability testing; however, here it is done over the internet, with the users connecting to your product (which of course needs to be online itself) and carrying out tasks on it.

Results – including audio and video, as well as mouse and keyboard interactions – are viewable in real-time and are usually recorded for later observation and recommendation.

Again, costs can be on the high side, but if it’s difficult to get users in the same room as your product for whatever reason, it is a good option.

The Bottom Line

Everything can - and should - be usable

Usability testing of any sort is invaluable. Best carried out early on in the product development lifecycle, any one of these methods can highlight issues that would be costly to fix after your product has gone live.

So, although we’re all experts, believing we know best can be risky. Get your product usability tested and see your product as others see it. You’ll be surprised – and pleased – at the results.

FourthWall Web has over 6 years of usability experience. We can carry out expert evaluations of your product, and provide consultancy on all aspects of usability testing, including putting you in touch with companies who can help. Contact us for further details or to discuss any aspect of usability in more detail.

Case Study – May Day May Day Save The Children Music Festival site

Small is beautiful

Sometimes, the short jobs can be the most fun.

May Day May Day website

This site was a classic example. No back-end database of content management requirements; very limited interaction required; heck, only one page…

The challenge here however was taking the original poster design for Save The Children’s Edinburgh-based May Day May Day music festival and turning it into a usable, accessible site.

A question of orientation

The first issue was the orientation of the source material itself. Of course, the poster was in portrait format – as were the graphical elements I had to work with.

The ‘fold’ is becoming less relevant, so I made the decision to build the site in the same orientation as the poster – a fixed 600 pixel wide content area, with a 300 pixel sidebar for the usual social media and contact links, if needed.

From print to (web) page

Original poster

The second challenge was recreating the style of the poster. I had the font used to create it, but – being fixed for print – a lot of the elements would need split up, changed, and turned into links.

This was actually quite straightforward. The main body of the graphic is a background image, containing a lot of the non-linkable textual elements. The rest is CSS-driven text and floating boxes, with an Impact-based font stack to avoid the overuse of graphical text.

I think the result is a good compromise between the style of the original and the practicalities of the web: it’s visually appealing and close to the source material, whilst being standards-based, using semantic markup and CSS-driven layout.

This also has the benefit of the code being very lean – one HTML file, one CSS and eight images. The clients – and the poster designer – are delighted.

And I’m looking forward to attending the festival later this month – why not come along to one or all of the dates if you’re in the area?